Information & Reference Services Librarian

Kansas-City-Public-Library; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas City Public Library in Kansas City, MO seeks a full-time Information and Reference Services Specialist to oversee high-quality reference, readers’ advisory, and digital resources for patrons in person, by phone, and online.

Under the supervision of the Information and Reference Services Manager, you will help schedule desk coverage, lead digital resource initiatives, and serve as a system-wide representative for the department.

Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS degree or equivalent with reference services experience.
• Demonstrated ability to meet and serve the public in person & by phone.
• Ability to work with Windows computers and library technology.
• Ability to lead, train, and mentor staff in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Provides high quality reference, information, readers’ advisory, and related services.
• Acts as a system-wide representative for the department and manages digital resources.
• Assists in scheduling Reference desk coverage and programming.
• Promotes library materials, resources, and services to patrons.
• Maintains technology skills and troubleshoots devices and e-readers.
• Develops and maintains professional knowledge of reference service trends.
• Communicates effectively to educate patrons and staff.
• Attends professional development activities and prepares monthly reports.
• Performs other related work and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Technology skills

Team collaboration

Instruction / training

Problem solving

Education

MLS/MLIS degree

Tools

Windows

e-readers

Computers

Job description

Description

Under general supervision of the Information and Reference Services Manager, assists in overseeing Information and Reference services, including providing high-quality reference, community referral, readers’ advisory, technological assistance, and other library services to patrons in person, by telephone and online at the Central Library.

Assists the Information and Reference Services Manager with scheduling Reference desk coverage, programming and daily tasks. Serves as system-wide representative for the department and as the point person for digital reference resources as necessary.

This is a full-time, exempt position with a starting salary of $51,036, plus excellent benefits.

Schedule

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 5 pm

One Saturday per month for programming.

Location

Central Library: 14 W 10th Street, KCMO, 64105.

Job Duties (Essential Functions)

1. Provides high quality library services including reference, information, reader's advisory, catalog assistance, customer account assistance, community referral and technological assistance in person, by telephone, and online.


2. Regularly works shifts at both the Reference desk and our OneNorth Computer Lab.


3. Instructs and facilitates use of library resources. Promotes new and existing library materials, resources, and services.


4. Serves as a strong role model for providing excellent values-based customer services. Acts as a positive, proactive presence in the building, handling patron and building issues as needed.


5. Assists in collection promotion and maintenance, creates displays.


6. Represents the Information and Reference services team in a system wide capacity. Shares, promotes, and trains staff on the library’s reference physical and digital collection.


7. Assists with Reference desk scheduling to ensure adequate coverage.


8. Develops and maintains technology skills required to promote library collections and services, and troubleshoot issues with e-readers, computers, and other devices.


9. Stays abreast of and helps evaluate library reference service trends while assessing the needs and interests of the community.


10. Communicates effectively orally and in writing to educate, explain, and inform patrons and staff.


11. Works with Information and Reference Services Manager on provision of reference services and programming initiatives.


12. Attends relevant professional development activities, library meetings, or committees and prepares monthly report of activities.


13. Performs other related work and undertakes special projects as assigned.

Requirements

1. Demonstrated ability to meet and serve the public in person & over the telephone, working effectively with customers of all ages on a daily basis.


2. Demonstrated ability to learn library operations, services and policies, including the ability to work with computers in a Windows environment.


3. Ability to establish and maintain effective cooperative and positive working relationships with library staff, professionals in other organizations, community groups and community members.


4. Ability to organize work effectively and handle multiple projects or demands on time, including patron requests.


5. Demonstrated ability to instruct patrons and staff on the use of library resources in both a classroom setting and one-on-one.


6. Demonstrated ability to lead, train and mentor staff.


7. Demonstrated advanced computer skills.


8. Excellent oral and written communication skills.


9. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work, particularly reference services.


10. Demonstrated ability to follow oral and/or written instructions.


11. Demonstrated ability to provide service in a values-based environment in a courteous, friendly, efficient manner.


12. Ability to speak and understand English is required, additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages spoken in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.

Required Education and Experience

• MLS/MLIS degree or an equivalent combination of education and related experience, preferably in the field of reference services.

Work Environment

Work is performed at the Central Library and Library Branches throughout the district. Primary workspace is shared with co-workers in an office environment. Other work will be performed in a public space amongst staff and patrons from a diverse socio-economic community.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions and job requirements of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.